Perhaps the most important decision you will make in your home improvement project is the choice of contractor, so don’t take this decision lightly. Make sure you have enough time to find the top 3 – 5 contractors in your area and spend the appropriate amount of time interviewing them.
The best way to narrow the list down to the top 3 – 5 is to ask neighbors for recommendations. Remember, the process of selecting the contractor is most likely the most important decision you make and a right decision will save you time, money and stress!
If you schedule several contractors to provide an estimate, be sure to prepare for the ‘interview’. Most people who don’t prepare for the ‘interview’ ask only the most basic questions, such as “when can you start?” or “how long will the project take.” Be ready to ask more questions and take the time prior to the meeting to prepare.
Like any interview, you might first narrow down the list by eliminating those that don’t show up on time. They might have an excuse but such experiences are likely to occur again during the project as well.
Start the interview by asking questions about the company's business practices and experience in similar types of home remodeling projects. Ask them how long they have you been in business, if they use employees or subcontractors, how many similar projects they completed in the past year etc. Make sure they are very familiar with the building codes in the area. Be sure to ask them for a list of references and take the time to call them and visit some of the houses! And it is always good to ask how often they complete projects on time and under the estimate.
Then spend a little time having them describe how they would handle the project. You might not be able to judge if all the steps are the right ones but you certainly will be able to judge their confidence and experience with doing such projects. Also, don’t underestimate your ‘feelings’ about the contractor. Choose someone that you think you can trust and someone that you would have confidence in.
Once you do select a contractor then you can ask them all those basic questions like what time they will be starting each morning, how many days each week they will come, etc. But never let those less important questions drive your decision. If the contractor is the right one for you, they will do everything possible to make sure of your satisfaction.